The US dollar slightly strengthened against a basket of major currencies. The dollar index (#DX) closed near current levels (+0.07%). The trade war between the US and China led to a sharp drop in stocks on world stock markets. Markets were under pressure due to the fact that yesterday, US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Iran’s metals industry. The purpose of the deal is to deny Iran income from the export of products related to the production of iron, steel, aluminum, and copper.
Today, during the Asian trading session, mixed economic data have been published in China. Thus, the producer price index rose to 0.9% in April, while experts forecasted 0.6%. The consumer price index rose by 0.1% in April, which met investors’ expectations.
Today, the delegation from China should arrive in Washington to conclude a trade agreement with the United States. However, whether countries will be able to reach an agreement is not yet known, especially in the light of Donald Trump’s recent comments on that. Trump tweeted: “The reason for the China pullback & attempted renegotiation of the Trade Deal is the sincere HOPE that they will be able to “negotiate” with Joe Biden or one of the very weak Democrats, and thereby continue to ripoff the United States (($500 Billion a year)) for years to come… Guess what, that’s not going to happen! China has just informed us that they (Vice-Premier) are now coming to the U.S. to make a deal. We’ll see, but I am very happy with over $100 Billion a year in Tariffs filling U.S. coffers…great for U.S., not good for China!”
The “black gold” prices have been declining due to the escalation of the trade conflict between the US and China. At the moment, futures for the WTI crude oil are testing the mark of $61.50 per barrel.
Market Indicators
- Yesterday, there was a variety of trends in the US stock market: #SPY (-0.14%), #DIA (+0.05%), #QQQ (-0.25%).
- The 10-year US government bonds yield is declining. At the moment, the indicator is at the level of 2.44-2.45%.
The news feed on 2019.05.09:
- Producer price index in the US at 15:30 (GMT+3:00).
